Washington’s biggest roster decision is looming ahead of elite-wideout Terry McLaurin, as reports have his contract extension talks going absolutely nowhere. Even as he has been the most productive and reliable playmaker for the squad since his rookie season, negotiations haven’t moved anything even remotely close to contracting him long term, his future in D.C. is unknown. As an alternative for being an omen of progress toward anchoring their franchise wideout into the future, deafening silence and stillness of negotiations would have fans believing the opposite — that negotiating that brand-new contract is still down the road. Indeed, around the NFL, there is growing buzz that McLaurin, who is looming into that prime of his own career, would want being shopped around and potentially even traded as an alternative toward being re-signed, an unsettling omen for fans who would want for him to retire suiting up in burgundy and gold.
Potential Landing Spots
New England Patriots
Mock Trade: Washington sends Terry McLaurin and a 2026 fifth round pick to the Patriots in return for DeMario Douglas, 2026 third round pick and a 2027 first round pick.
Washington’s reasoning: They get a proven young receiver in DeMario Douglas, valuable draft capital including a future first, and can reset their cap flexibility by moving McLaurin.
Patriots’ reasoning: They finally land a true No. 1 receiver for Drake Maye, accelerating the rebuild with an established playmaker while only giving up future picks and a promising but replaceable slot option.
Los Angeles Chargers
Mock Trade: Washington sends Terry McLaurin to the Chargers for Derwin James Jr. and a 2026 second round pick.
Washington’s reasoning: They swap McLaurin for an elite defensive leader in Derwin James Jr. and add a future second, bolstering a defense that needs star power.
Chargers’ reasoning: With Justin Herbert in his prime, they get a proven top wideout to replace lost weapons and push for contention, even at the cost of a big-name safety.
Indianapolis Colts
Mock Trade: Washington sends Terry McLaurin to the Colts for Michael Pittman Jr. and a 2026 Second round pick.
Washington’s reasoning: They acquire Michael Pittman Jr., a younger receiver with size and production, plus a future second to balance out McLaurin’s value.
Colts’ reasoning: They pair McLaurin with Anthony Richardson, bringing in a hometown star (from Indy) and a reliable route technician to elevate their passing game.
Las Vegas Raiders
Mock Trade: Washington sends Terry McLaurin to the Raiders for Jakobi Meyers and a 2027 first round pick.
Washington’s reasoning: They land Jakobi Meyers, a steady contributor, and add a future first-rounder to build around their superstar QB Jayden Daniels.
Raiders’ reasoning: They add a dynamic playmaker in McLaurin to go alongside Brock Bowers, giving their offense a true deep threat. McLaurin will also help mentor rookie WR Jack Bech, in which he would develop as quickly as possible.
New York Jets
Mock Trade: Washington sends Terry McLaurin and Daron Payne to the Jets for Quinnen Williams and a 2026 third round pick.
Washington’s reasoning: They get an elite defensive tackle in Quinnen Williams and a draft pick, immediately strengthening the trenches and freeing up future salary.
Jets’ reasoning: They go all-in for helping out Justin Fields by adding McLaurin as another premier weapon alongside Garrett Wilson and They get Daron Payne as a disruptive force up front, signaling a potential playoff push.